Tower Hamlets Council and Police have issued community reassurance messages to local residents in response to an increase in criminal activity around Devons Road, E3. The latest incident occurred on Monday, 9th June at about 8.30pm, when police were called after a man was attacked by a group of males in a public walkway between Rounton Road and Knapp Road. The man, aged 23, was taken to an east London hospital for treatment to several stab injuries to his buttocks. He has since been discharged.
After the incident, the suspects left on foot, in the direction of Rounton Road, taking the weapon with them. The suspects are aged between 13-16 years old and appear to be responsible for criminal activity and anti-social behaviour in the area in recent weeks. One male has been arrested and is currently at an East London Police Station. Other suspects are being sought in connection with offences.
Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: “The council is working closely with the police to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Devons Road area. I want to send out a strong message that we will continue to step up our presence in the area to discourage and deal with any further incidents. If residents have information about the stabbing or other anti-social behaviour, or witness any further incidents, they should not take matters into their own hands but should ring the police non-emergency number on 101.”
Acting Detective Inspector Iain Harkes added: “The behaviour of this group has caused a real feeling of intimidation amongst local residents and other young people. The Metropolitan Police treats violence and anti-social behaviour seriously and we will work with the local authority to pursue those involved. This should send a clear message to those who think they can continue to act in this appalling way – we will take action.”
Over recent weeks, the police and council have been implementing an action plan in the Devon’s Road area in response to reports of youth-related anti-social behaviour. This has seen increased police officer and THEO patrols, deployment of the mobile CCTV van and detached youth workers, and the gathering of evidence for 10 Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) applications.
The police and council are also in the process of applying for an emergency dispersal order zone, which will allow the police to disperse groups of two or more people from the area, and take home any person under 16 who is out on the streets in a dispersal zone between 9pm and 6am and not accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
Police are appealing for information about the stabbing and ask that anyone who was in the area between 8-9pm on Monday evening and who has information should contact Tower Hamlets Police on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or filling out a Crimestoppers anonymous online form.